The AFL Draft is less than three weeks away, with clubs now becoming settled on who sits where in the pecking order.
There is great stability to our final top 50, with only two new players and one returning name in what was a logjam at the back end.
40-31
40 - Brady Wright (Werribee)
The key-position prospect has two years of VFL exposure under his belt and took out the coveted Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal this year for the most promising young talent. Takes the ball at its highest point and competes hard to take contested marks and has established himself as a reliable goal-scorer.
39 - Wil Antrobus (Dandenong Stingrays)
Owns the best left foot in the draft and uses it to clear defensive 50 with penetration and precision. Takes the game on and defends his man first, with his toughness an underrated attribute of his game. It's been a quick rise for Antrobus, establishing himself as one of the program's most consistent players in 2026. Didn't reach the heights he would have liked at the National Championships which was the only blip on his campaign.
38 - Gus Kennedy (Dandenong Stingrays)
The Dandenong co-captain is a hard-working, ruthless and role-compliant medium defender who attacks the footy, drives his legs through traffic and can break the game open. His kicking has become more precise across the course of the season and he's a strong marking presence and can be trusted with a matchup.
FILM, MUSIC, LITERATURE: HOW GUS KENNEDY FINDS BALANCE
37 - Jackson Phillips (Dandenong Stingrays)
A two-way running midfielder who is clean below his knees and punchy with his kicking, he showed significant growth in 2026 as a reliable inside and outside player. Plays with power and has great vision which opens the game up.
36 - Gabriel Patterson (Glenelg)
A strong finals series to help take Glenelg to the Talent League premiership was an important reminder of what he is capable of producing. A shoulder injury punctuated his year and robbed the AFL Academy member of consistency but at his best he is a hybrid forward threat who is always a step ahead in this thinking and looking to make things happen. He is the son of 96-game former Collingwood player, Stephen, falling just short of being eligible as a father-son.
35 - Harry Chapman (Eastern Ranges)
The Eastern Ranges prospect has similar traits to Sydney's Justin McInerney, able to inflict maximum damage when he gets the ball on the outside. A dangerous transition player who can generate overlap possession, he has been given the opportunity to develop his contested midfield craft this year but starts his AFL career as a half-back/winger. Has a high-level athletics background, going to nationals as a junior in 100m and 200m.
FROM AUSTRALIAN ATHLETICS RECORD-BREAKERS TO DOORSTEP OF AFL
34 - Marcus Prasad (Dandenong Stingrays)
A late-season bolter from the Dandenong Stingrays, Prasad is a flashy and athletic small forward who can step around opponents and see an avenue to goals from some ridiculous positions. Missed four months this year due to injury but spent the time building his frame and improving his kicking penetration and took no time to return to his best. Contrary to some reports, he is ineligible for Melbourne's Next Generation Academy.
PRASAD'S "BRUTAL" SETBACK SPARKED MAJOR DOUBTS
33 - Harvie Cooke (Northern Knights)
The Northern Knights pocket rocket has been our most asked about player this year after high production for the Northern Knights and Vic Metro which earned him the Morrish Medal. Has the strength to power through and stand up in a tackle and is a crafty forward who doesn't let his diminutive stature stop him from taking strong marks. Models his game on Lachie Schultz and has many of the same attributes as a difficult undersized matchup.
THE DISTINCTIVE HABIT SHAPING MORRISH MEDALLIST'S RISE
32 - Marlon Neocleous (Gippsland Power)
Could be the bargain of the draft. Has slid somewhat down boards after failing to consistently produce his best at Talent League level this year but he has x-factor you can't teach as a strong-bodied and pacy small forward. Frustratingly missed two of the four Vic Country games where he appeared primed to perform. His former Talent League coach once remarked that he treats every game like a school assignment he needs to get 100 per cent on and that shows through the spirit with which he plays.
31 - Jake Soutar (East Perth)
An intercept marking menace who has had a breakthrough season in defence, Soutar attacks the ball with real tenacity and reads it in flight early which allows him to position himself well behind the footy. One of three mature-agers on this list, he has a state combine invite and finished the year on fire. Has a very wide draft range given he offers something different as a mature-ager.
